[Blog] New Paths in Teaching Buddhist Studies Conference Report

By John Negru, Independent scholar, publisher at Sumeru Books SESSION 3 COMPLICATING MEDITATION IN THE CLASSROOM Context New Paths in Teaching Buddhist Studies was a conference at the University of Toronto, Robert H.N. Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies, in February 2020, organized by Dr. Frances Garrett, Dr. Sarah Richardson, and Dr. Betsy Moss. The focus …

[Blog] A Reflection on Dr. Robert Sharf’s lecture “Buddhist Modernism, Meditation, and Mindfulness: What is at Stake?”on March 6, 2018 at Emmanuel College, Victoria University, University of Toronto

By Rose Mina Munjee On March 6, 2018, Professor Dr. Cuilan Liu welcomed Dr. Robert Sharf, D. H. Chen Distinguished Professor of Buddhist Studies, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, University of California, Berkeley, to present his lecture, “Buddhist Modernism, Meditation, and Mindfulness: What is at Stake?” to students and faculty members at Emmanuel …

[Blog] Tārā, Dhāraṇī, the Mañjuśrīnāmasangīti and a Sanskrit Reading with Rev. Professor Naresh Man Bajracharya of Lumbini Buddhist University

By Amber Marie Moore and Austin Simoes-Gomes, University of Toronto In May 2018, we welcomed Rev. Professor Naresh Man Bajracharya, Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal to the University of Toronto Department for the Study of Religion and the Greater Toronto Area to deliver five action-packed days of workshops and teachings centered around Newar Vajrayāna …

[Blog] A Report on Dr. James A. Benn’s Talk: “Buddhism and the Invention of Tea Culture in Medieval China” (November 4, 2017)

By Mitchell Weishar On November 4, 2017, McMaster University’s Dr. James A. Benn gave a talk entitled “Buddhism and the Invention of Tea Culture in Medieval China” for a lecture series on Tea and Buddhism hosted by The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto. This talk was …

[Blog] A Report on the Buddhist Studies in Canada Round Table Discussion at the XVIIIth Congress of the International Association of Buddhist Studies

By Crystal Beaudoin The Buddhist Studies in Canada round table discussion was one of many exciting evening events that took place at the XVIIIth Congress of the International Association of Buddhist Studies. It took place on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017, at the University of Toronto's Bahen Centre for Information Technology. Invited participants travelled from all …

[Blog] A Reflection on the “Bridging Divides in Buddhist Studies” Round Table at the XVIIIth Congress of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, August 21st 2017

By Crystal Beaudoin The International Association of Buddhist Studies 18th Congress began in earnest on Monday, August 21st 2017. After a day full of engaging panels, participants had the opportunity to attend an evening round table at the Royal Ontario Museum. This event, entitled "Bridging Divides in Buddhist Studies," featured a group of talented Buddhist …

[Blog] Papers, Leaves, and Formulas of Buddha Nature: Kanō Kazuo at the University of Toronto and McMaster University

By Annie Heckman and Julian Butterfield On March 2, 2017, Professor Kanō Kazuo, Koyasan University, visited the University of Toronto as part of the Numata Buddhist Studies Program lecture series. In Dr. Kanō’s presentation, entitled “Papers and Leaves—Legacy of Indian Buddhists in Tibet and Tibetan Translators in India,” he shared images of rare manuscripts from …

[Blog] Vinaya Studies at the 18th Congress of IABS, in Toronto

By Gerjan Altenburg Studies of Buddhist monastic literature (vinaya) were in full swing at the 18th congress of the International Association of Buddhist Studies (IABS). This should not surprise anyone familiar with the current academic climate within Buddhist studies in the province of Ontario. This year, IABS took place in Toronto, Ontario from August 20th–25th. …

[Blog] Hyecho’s Journey: A Reflection on the 2017 Inaugural Public Lecture by Professor Donald Lopez at the University of Toronto

By Crystal Beaudoin On the 17th of April, 2017, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto hosted its inaugural public lecture. The speaker was Professor Donald S. Lopez Jr., Arthur E. Link Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies in the Department of Asian Languages …

[Blog] A Reflection on Dr. James Robson’s Public Lecture on Meditation, Mindfulness and Mental Health at Emmanuel College

By Crystal Beaudoin After reading the title of Dr. Robson's lecture, "A Crazy History of Buddhism: On Buddhist Mental Institutions and Meditation / Mindfulness," I anticipated a very interesting evening. Indeed, Dr. Robson did not disappoint his audience. Dr. Robson is the James C. Kralik and Yunli Lou Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at …